India’s Maritime Expansion: Chabahar Port Pact with Iran and Strategic Plans for Trade Connectivity

India is focused on expanding its maritime presence and trade connectivity, with a 10-year pact signed with Iran for operating the Chabahar port. The project is aimed at replicating the Chabahar model in other strategic locations to enhance economic advantages and modernize port infrastructure. This move is seen as India’s response to China’s Belt and Road Initiative and aims to reduce transportation time and costs to Central and West Asian regions.

The Chabahar port is expected to boost trade between India, Central Asia, and West Asia, serving as a gateway for Indian goods and opening up new markets. The Indian government, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is working on a Rs 5.8 lakh crore Sagarmala port upgrade plan to modernize ports, improve connectivity, and develop inland waterways. Despite regional tensions, measures will be taken to mitigate risks and ensure safe operations at the Chabahar port.

India plans to engage diplomatically with regional stakeholders to promote stability, manage tensions, and implement risk management strategies at the Chabahar port. The port is expected to complement the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor project and offer alternative routes, reducing dependence on traditional transit points. Progress has also been made in developing facilities at the Sittwe port in Myanmar, with successful trial runs and improvements in connectivity to the hinterland.

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